What Is the Myetherwallet MEW JSON Keystore File?

When you generate a wallet with MEW, you’re given the option to download a Keystore / JSON file. This file is an encrypted version of your private key, protected by a password you create. It’s a standard Ethereum wallet format — used by MEW, Geth, and other clients — and it’s designed for secure local storage.

The encryption algorithm typically used is AES-128-CBC with a key derived via PBKDF2 or scrypt. That makes brute-forcing passwords computationally expensive and slow — by design.

MEW Recovery Options:

1. Mnemonic (Recovery) Phrase:

   • A 12 or 24-word phrase provided during wallet creation.

   • Allows full wallet restoration.​

   • Without this phrase, recovery through this method isn’t possible.​

2. Keystore/JSON File with Password:

   • An encrypted file containing your private key, secured by a password you set.​

   • Both the file and password are required for access.​

   • If the password is forgotten but the file is available, recovery is challenging but may be attempted.​

3. Private Key:

   • A 64-character hexadecimal string granting direct access to your wallet.​MEW

   • Possession of the private key allows wallet access without the need for a password.

Are Brute Force Attempts Possible For Myetherwallet?

Yes, but only in certain situations.

If you remember part of the password or believe it follows a consistent pattern (e.g., you used a base password with minor variations), there are tools that can attempt recovery:

• Hashcat and John the Ripper can be configured to work with MEW keystore files.

• Python-based tools like ethereum-wallet-recover exist to automate targeted brute-force attacks.

These tools will require your JSON file and either the password hash or the ability to derive it from the file. But if your password was long and random — and you have no recollection of it — brute-forcing it can take years or longer, depending on hardware and configuration.

Wrong Myetherwallet Derivation Path:

A derivation path is a sequence that determines which addresses are generated from your recovery phrase. Different paths can lead to entirely different sets of addresses. If you’re unable to locate your expected address when connecting a hardware wallet to MEW, it might be due to selecting an incorrect derivation path. MEW allows users to choose or input custom derivation paths during the wallet access process. Ensuring you select the correct path is essential for accessing the intended wallet addresses.

Additional MEW + Hardware Wallet Passphrase (13th/25th Word)

Some wallets offer the option to enhance security by adding an extra word to the standard 12 or 24-word recovery phrase, effectively making it a 13 or 25-word phrase. This additional passphrase creates a completely new set of addresses. If you’ve used this feature, it’s imperative to enter the exact extra word during the recovery process. Failing to do so will result in accessing a different set of addresses, potentially causing confusion or the appearance of lost funds

Myetherwallet Paper Wallet

​Accessing an Ethereum wallet created with a MyEtherWallet (MEW) paper wallet requires the original private key or recovery phrase.

No Recovery Function

MEW does not store your password. There is no reset link, no account recovery process, and no way to ask support for help. If you’ve lost the password and you don’t have the unencrypted private key saved elsewhere, contact recovery services to get your access back.